Is English a flexible language in word choice?

Very. Especially the slang.

English, and particularly American english, is an agglomeration of dozens of languages, meaning that there are – for practically every word – three other options how to say it.

MY view is that having that sort of choices lets you, the speaker, decide exactly what nuance you want to place on a thought. You are not saddled with one amorphous word, but you can tweak your thought or expression to a particular level of detail or ‘spin’ depending on the exact word that you use.

So a non-native English speaker has lots of choices – sometimes too many – but each word has its own nuanced and subtle meaning, so you need to mindful of the message that you are sending.

@elbanditoroso yes that is really important in learning English I guess.. The problem is that non-native speakers of English, especially those not living in English-speaking countries do not have a way of understanding that particular nuance in a word since such an understanding comes from experience and situational context, which is not happening on not-speaking-English land, and which demands linguistically empirical knowledge that’s only possible when one is living in that culture.

@dumitus – that’s correct. And it makes things much more difficult, I understand. In the absence of people and situations, about all you can do is listen to American TV programs (it is hard to believe that I am saying that), and read contemporary American fiction.

The reason I say contemporary fiction is that language and nuance changes so much from decade to decade. Gone with the Wind, written in 1939, is not how people speak today.

You are absolutely right. Watching TV( but I’ve never watched actual American TV, just some radio programs) and reading stories(I like works of Stephen King) is how I managed to just get by and sound like natives speakers to some degree at least…: – )

Its’ a great big beautiful wonderful incredible super spectacular language.

You are so right. English is very difficult for many reasons. Multiple meanings of many words and, as you say, the nuances. Pronunciations vary because of multiple word origins and where people lived when learning the language. Just try to relax and let it flow as you understand it. If you need help, ask English speaking friends whom you trust. Good luck!